Louis Van Gaal Influenced Jurrien Timber To Reject Manchester United Move

Louis van Gaal was a huge part of Jurrien Timber’s decision to turn down move to Manchester United, reports Dutch journalist Marcel van der Kraan on Sky Sports.

Van Gaal previously managed the Red Devils from 2014 to 2016, taking over after David Moyes’ brief ill-fated spell at Old Trafford. In that time, he won the FA Cup, but was replaced almost immediately by Jose Mourinho.

The 70-year-old now takes charge of the Netherlands national team, taking over for a third stint. In just five months time, he will lead the Oranje into the World Cup in Qatar.

Consequently, he reportedly sent a warning to Man Utd transfer target Jurrien Timber, claiming that the move could cost him his place in the World Cup squad.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Dutch reporter Marcel van der Kraan said: “The player (Timber) was ready, I think, to come [to Man Utd]. His agent went over to London, to Manchester United’s offices two weeks ago and had very good talks. Money was never a problem.

“But then one man turned up: Louis van Gaal. He told the player in the Dutch camp ‘look, if you go there, I think your chances could be limited of playing for Holland at the World Cup three months later.”

It is believed that Van Gaal issued this warning due to his concern that Timber wouldn’t be a guaranteed starter at Man Utd. At the 20-time English champions, he would be competing with the likes of Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, and Victor Lindelof for regular game time.

The national team manager has already proven to be fairly ruthless on dropping players who aren’t playing often for their club. Donny van de Beek and Georginio Wijnaldum – two players once considered among the best in the Dutch camp – have both been excluded from the squad due to their lack of minutes on the pitch.

Was Timber right to turn down the move?

Source: football today